SLIDE TAKEDOWN AND MAGAZINE DISCONNECT ASSEMBLY FOR FIREARMS

Abstract

A firearm comprises a frame which detachably receives a magazine, trigger, and a reciprocating slide moveable between a forward position and rearward removal position. A pivotable takedown lever is selectively engageable with the slide between blocking and non-blocking positions. A magazine disconnect member movably responsive to inserting the magazine into or removing the magazine from the firearm is alterable between a rearward locked position which prevents movement of the trigger to disable the firing mechanism, and a forward unlocked position which allows movement of the trigger and concurrently engages the takedown lever to prevent the takedown lever from leaving the blocking position associated with the ready-to-fire condition of the firearm. The slide is removable from the firearm when the takedown lever is in the non-blocking position. Engagement between the magazine disconnect member and takedown lever prevents full insertion of the magazine if the lever is left in the non-blocking position.

Claims

1. A firearm with slide takedown and magazine disconnect assembly comprising: a frame configured to detachably receive an ammunition magazine; a barrel defining a longitudinal axis of the firearm; a trigger for discharging the firearm; a reciprocating slide slidably engaged with the firearm, the slide moveable between a forward position and a rearward removal position; a takedown lever pivotably mounted to the firearm and engageable with the slide, the lever being pivotable in a lateral direction about the longitudinal axis between a blocking position in which the slide is not movable from the forward position to the rearward removal position, and a non-blocking position in which the slide is movable to the rearward removal position to disengage the frame; a magazine disconnect member engageable with and movably responsive to inserting the magazine into or removing the magazine from the firearm; wherein the magazine disconnect member is movable between a rearward locked position which blocks movement of the trigger to prevent firing the firearm, and a forward unlocked position which allows movement of the trigger and concurrently engages the takedown lever to prevent moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

2. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein inserting the magazine into the frame engages and moves the magazine disconnect member from the rearward locked position to the forward unlocked position, and removing the magazine from the frame disengages and moves the magazine disconnect member from the forward unlocked position to the rearward locked position under biasing action of a magazine disconnect spring.

3. The firearm according to claim 2, wherein the magazine disconnect member is slideably and axially movable along the longitudinal axis between the rearward locked position and forward unlocked position.

4. The firearm according to claim 3, wherein magazine disconnect member includes a front end engageable with the takedown lever and a rear end engageable with the magazine when inserted into the frame

5. The firearm according to claim 4, wherein the magazine disconnect member further comprises an upturned trigger locking protrusion which engages a locking surface on the trigger when the magazine disconnect member is in the rearward locked position to prevent movement of the trigger.

6. The firearm according to claim 4, wherein the magazine disconnect member comprises a substantially flat plate including a takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end, and an actuating protrusion on the rear end configured to slideably engage the magazine when inserted into the frame.

7. The firearm according to claim 6, wherein the plate comprises a central trigger opening through which the trigger protrudes downwards into a trigger guard of the frame.

8. The firearm according to claim 4, wherein the blocking position of the takedown lever is an upward position and the non-blocking position is a downward position.

9. The firearm according to claim 8, wherein the takedown lever is mounted about a pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm.

10. The firearm according to claim 5, wherein the takedown lever comprises a laterally facing engagement surface which is engageable with the takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end of the magazine disconnect member which prevents moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the magazine disconnect member is in the forward unlocked position.

11. The firearm according to claim 10, wherein the front end of the magazine disconnect member comprises a stepped shoulder which defines the takedown lever engagement protrusion.

12. The firearm according to claim 11, wherein the engagement surface of takedown lever engages a lateral inward facing side surface on the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member.

13. The firearm according to claim 12, wherein the engagement surface is formed within a recessed pocket on the takedown lever to allow the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member to move past the rear side of takedown lever so that the side surface of the takedown lever engagement protrusion can engage the engagement surface on the takedown lever.

14. The firearm according to claim 4, wherein the takedown lever further comprises a rear facing abutment surface which engages and prevents the magazine disconnect member from moving from the rearward locked position to the forward unlocked position when the takedown lever is in the non-blocking position and the magazine is attempted to be inserted into the frame.

15. The firearm according to claim 1, further comprising a magazine disconnect spring which biases the magazine disconnect member towards the rearward locked position.

16. The firearm according to claim 4, wherein the takedown lever comprises a laterally facing engagement surface which is engageable with a takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end of the magazine disconnect member which prevents moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the magazine disconnect member is in the forward unlocked position.

17. The firearm according to claim 16, wherein the engagement surface of takedown lever engages a lateral inward facing side surface on the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member.

18. The firearm according to claim 17, wherein the takedown lever engagement protrusion has a narrower width than a main body of the magazine disconnect member behind the engagement protrusion.

19. The firearm according to claim 17, wherein the engagement surface of the takedown lever is formed within a recessed pocket on the takedown lever to allow the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member to move past a rear side of takedown lever so that the side surface of the takedown lever engagement protrusion can engage the engagement surface on the takedown lever.

20. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the firearm is a semiautomatic pistol.

21. The firearm according to claim 6, wherein the rear actuating protrusion has a recurvant shape defining an arcuately curved contact surface which slideably engages the magazine when inserted into the frame.

22. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the takedown lever includes a mounting end pivotably coupled to the firearm, an opposite free end defining a grasping portion, and a blocking surface interposed between the mounting and free ends.

23-34. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features of the exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings where like elements are labeled similarly, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a firearm in the form of a pistol according to the present disclosure having a cooperating slide takedown and magazine disconnect assembly and showing the firearm slide in a ready-to-fire forward position;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the slide of FIG. 1 showing the slide in a rearward disassembly position;

[0015] FIG. 3 is bottom perspective view of the firearm;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a right side cross-sectional view of the firearm with slide in the shown in the ready-to-fire forward position;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a right side cross-sectional view of the firearm shown in the fired condition with rearward travel of the slide blocked and limited by the takedown lever;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view thereof;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the fire control frame insert of the firearm;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom front perspective view thereof;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a right side view thereof;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom view thereof;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a bottom rear perspective view thereof;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a front view thereof;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial front perspective view of the frame insert showing the takedown lever in the upward blocking position engaged with the slide;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a partial front perspective view thereof showing the takedown lever in the downward non-blocking position which allows the slide to travel beyond the lever to a rearward removal position;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the firearm showing the slide retracted rearwards;

[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the firearm with frame removed showing the takedown lever in the non-blocking position and magazine disconnect member in the rearward locked position engaged with the trigger to disable the firing mechanism of the firearm;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the frame insert showing the takedown lever in the blocking position to engage the slide and magazine disconnect member in the rearward locked position;

[0030] FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of the frame insert showing the takedown lever in the blocking position and magazine disconnect member in the rearward locked position engaged with the trigger;

[0031] FIG. 19 is an enlarged partial side cross-sectional perspective view thereof;

[0032] FIG. 20 is an enlarged partial side perspective view of the frame insert showing the takedown lever in the non-blocking position;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the firearm showing the takedown lever in the blocking position and magazine disconnect member in the rearward locked position engaged with the trigger; the magazine shown in the process of being inserted into the firearm;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

[0035] FIG. 23 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the firearm showing the takedown lever in the blocking position and magazine disconnect member moved to the forward unlocked position to disengage the trigger and enable the firing mechanism; the magazine shown fully inserted into the firearm; the magazine disconnect engaging the takedown lever to prevent it from rotating when a magazine is inserted;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a partial side cross-sectional view thereof;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a partial bottom perspective view of the fire control frame insert with takedown lever blocking the forward travel path of the magazine disconnect member as the disconnect member attempts to move fully forward;

[0038] FIG. 26A is a top perspective view of the magazine disconnect member; and

[0039] FIG. 26B is a bottom perspective view thereof.

[0040] All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number described herein. Any reference herein to a whole figure number which may comprise multiple figures with the same whole number but different alphabetical suffixes shall be construed to be a general reference to all those figures sharing the same whole number, unless otherwise indicated.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (example) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical,, above, below, up, down, top and bottom as well as derivative thereof (e.g., horizontally, downwardly, upwardly, etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as attached, affixed, connected, and interconnected, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

[0042] As may be used throughout, any ranges disclosed herein are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein to prior patents or patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0043] Initial reference is made to FIGS. 1-25 showing one embodiment of a firearm in the form of a semi-automatic autoloading pistol 10 having a cooperating slide takedown and magazine disconnect assembly according to the present disclosure. Pistol 10 disclosed herein is a rimfire pistol; however, the slide takedown and magazine disconnect member may be used in a centerfire pistol in other embodiments and is therefore not limited in its application.

[0044] Pistol 10 defines a longitudinal axis LA and includes a frame 12 having a front portion 12a, rear portion 12b, and intermediate portion 12c defining a trigger guard 12e, an axially slidable and reciprocating slide 20 mounted on the pistol defining a breech block 20a, a barrel 14 with rifled bore 14c and having a front muzzle end 14a and a rear end 14b defining a chamber 11 configured for holding an ammunition cartridge, a spring-biased hammer 17 pivotably mounted to the pistol, and a firing mechanism comprising trigger 16 pivotably mounted to pistol and operably linked to the hammer via a conventional trigger mechanism including trigger bar 17a for cocking and releasing the hammer to discharge the pistol via a trigger pull (see, e.g. FIGS. 4-7). Hammer spring 17b biases the hammer forward toward the firing position to strike spring-biased movable firing pin 17c carried by slide 20 which contacts and detonates a chambered cartridge in a conventional manner. Hammer 17 is retained in in the rearward cocked position until the trigger is pulled which linearly moves the trigger bar 17a to release the hammer. In other possible embodiments where pistol 10 may be of a striker-fired design, a linearly movable spring-biased striker may be provided in lieu of a hammer. Such striker designs are known to those skilled in the art without further elaboration.

[0045] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis LA may be defined by the barrel bore 14c (see, e.g. FIGS. 4-5). The rear portion 12b of the frame 12 defines an elongated grip 18 for holding pistol 10. Grip 18 defines downwardly open magazine well 85 configured to slideably receive and detachably retain ammunition magazine 86 which holds a plurality of spring-biased ammunition cartridges. The magazine may be a box-type magazine in some embodiments as shown which is well known in the art for use with pistols. Magazine 86 is operable to automatically upload cartridges into the breech B of the pistol 10 each time the action (e.g., slide 20) is cycled rearward and forward in a conventional manner. Frame 12 may be made of any suitable material commonly used in the art including metal, polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0046] It bears noting that a portion of fire control frame insert 40 defines an axially elongated longitudinal opening 41 which can be considered to form the uppermost portion of the magazine well 85 that cooperates and is contiguous with the lower magazine well portion defined inside the grip 18 of the firearm frame 12 (see, e.g. FIG. 17). It is within this opening 41 that the magazine disconnect member 100 described in detail elsewhere herein is engageable with the magazine 86 when inserted into the magazine well to actuate the disconnect member.

[0047] FIGS. 7-12 depict the fire control frame insert 40 of pistol in isolation. Frame insert 40 may be removably mountable in the frame 12 to house the firing mechanism including trigger 16, trigger bar 17a, hammer 17, and other components associated with the firing mechanism. The frame insert 40 may be rigidly and fixedly mounted to the frame 12 via any suitable means known in the art including without limitation mechanical fasteners or pins of any type, adhesives, friction or interference fits, etc. so long as the insert remains stationary with the frame 12 when the pistol 10 is operated for firing.

[0048] In some embodiments, barrel 14 may be fixedly mounted to and supported by the frame insert 40. Frame insert 40 may be made of any suitable material including metal such as for example aluminum, titanium, or steel, or reinforced polymers. The barrel 14 and hammer 17 may be made of any suitable metallic material such as steel as one example as commonly used in the art for these components. Frame insert 40 may further include an elongated slide catch 13 which is pivotably mounted on the insert 40 and manually moveable in upward and downward directions. When moves to an upward position, slide catch 13 interacts and cooperates with a slide catch surface (not shown) on the slide in a conventional manner to hold the breech B of the pistol open (defined at the rear of the barrel chamber 11).

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1-25 as applicable, slide 20 is axially elongated in the direction of longitudinal axis LA and an at least partially hollow structure defining a longitudinally-extending internal cavity 20a which receives the barrel. Slide 20 includes a front end 24, opposing rear end 25, top 21 defining an ejection port 23, and bottom 22. Front end 24 includes an enlarged protuberant boss 26 which is vertically elongated and includes a lower lobed portion that projects outward and downward from the main body of the slide 20 as shown. Boss 26 defines an upper barrel hole 27 configured for interacting with and slidably receiving barrel 14 therethrough and a lower guide hole 28 configured for interacting with and slidably receiving a guide rod 19 therethrough (see, e.g. FIGS. 12-13). Holes 27 and 28 extend in an axial direction parallel to longitudinal axis LA. Recoil spring 29 is mounted on guide rod 19 for biasing and returning the slide 20 forward after firing pistol 10 in a conventional manner.

[0050] In one embodiment, reciprocating axial movement of slide 20 on pistol 10 may be guided in part by the enlarged boss 26 on the front portion of the slide (slidably interacting with the barrel 14 and guide rod 19) and at the rear portion of the slide by conventional mating pairs of slideably engaged guide slots 30 and guide flanges 30, 43 disposed inside the slide and on frame insert 40, respectively. Such mating guide slots and flanges are a well known construction in the art for slideably mounting a slide to the firearm. The pairs of guide rails and guide flanges 30, 43 are disposed on each lateral side of the slide 20 and frame insert 40. The guide rail and flange set define both a slide guidance and retention system that operates in concert with the slide takedown lever to either prevent or allow removal of the slide 20 from pistol 10, as further described herein.

[0051] During normal firing of pistol 10 and cycling of the action, the slide 20 reciprocates axially between a forward ready-to-fire operating position associated with a closed breech B (shown in FIG. 4) and a rearward re-loading operating position associated with an open breech (shown in FIG. 5) for extracting and ejecting a spent cartridge casing from the pistol. When slide 20 is in the open breech position, barrel 20 and recoil spring guide rod 19 remain slideably engaged with the protuberant boss 26 on the slide (see, e.g. FIGS. 13-14).

[0052] In one embodiment, the slide 20 is further movable in a rearward direction beyond the normal open breech position associated with firing pistol 20 (i.e. first rearward reloading position) to a second rearward removal position for field stripping the pistol. Both positions are axial positions on the frame insert 40 and frame 12. The slide removal position is located farther rearward than the cartridge ejection and re-loading open breech position of the slide.

[0053] To prevent removal of the slide from the pistol 10 during normal pistol operation, a takedown mechanism is provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure which operates to restrict the maximum rearward movement of the slide 20 to the first rearward reloading position described herein that is associated with normal cycling of the action when firing the pistol. Accordingly, when activated, the takedown mechanism prevents rearward movement of slide 20 to the second rearward removal position beyond the reloading position. In some embodiments, the takedown mechanism may be a takedown lever 50 that may be pivotably mounted to pistol 10. In one embodiment, takedown lever 50 may be pivotably mounted to frame 12, and in a certain embodiment to frame insert 40 as shown in FIG. 7. The takedown lever and operation thereof will now be described in further detail.

[0054] Referring first FIGS. 7-14, takedown lever 50 may be mounted to a front portion of frame insert 40 as shown via a pivot pin 53. In one embodiment, takedown lever 50 is located below slide 20 underneath and on the underside of frame 12 within a recess 12d (see, e.g. FIG. 3), and in one certain embodiment generally within the confines of the trigger guard 12e of the frame. Pivot pin 53 defines a pivot axis P axially oriented in the direction of longitudinal axis LA (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis) so that takedown lever 50 pivots and rotates in lateral upward and downward directions perpendicular to longitudinal axis LA between its two operating positions as further described herein. Accordingly, takedown lever 50 pivots within a vertical and laterally-oriented plane that is perpendicular to and intersects longitudinal axis LA. Pivot pin 53 in one embodiment may be laterally offset from longitudinal axis LA and vertical centerline LC of pistol 10 as shown in FIG. 12 being mounted closer to one lateral side of frame insert 40 than the other lateral side (right side in non-limiting illustrated embodiment).

[0055] Takedown lever 50 is movable between an upward blocking position nested proximate to frame 12 which engages and prevents movement of trigger 16 rearward beyond the normal first reloading position, and a downward non-blocking position projecting distally from the frame 12.

[0056] When takedown lever 50 is in the upward blocking position shown in FIG. 13, slide 20 cannot be removed from frame insert 40 and pistol 10 which is in the ready-to-fire condition. The maximum rearward movement of the slide is limited to the first rearward reloading position by abutting engagement between protuberant boss 26 on the front of the slide and the takedown lever. The slide can be move to this reloading position either by manually cycling the action (e.g., slide) or automatically upon firing the pistol.

[0057] When takedown lever 50 is pivoted downward to the non-blocking position shown in FIG. 14, the slide 20 can be manually moved by a farther distance back to the second rearward slide removal position. In this position, slide 20 is fully removable from the pistol 10 and frame insert 40 for inspection and maintenance purposes. The takedown lever no longer blocks the rearward path of the protuberant boss 26 on slide 20 as shown which can now pass and travel over top of the lever 50 to the second rearward removal position.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7-14, takedown lever 50 in some embodiments may be maintained in the upward blocking position via a retaining mechanism such as without limitation a spring loaded detent plunger 54 which engages a complementary configured detent recess 55 disposed in frame 12, or alternatively frame insert 40 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0059] To facilitate manually operating the takedown lever, some embodiments of takedown lever 50 may further include a cantilevered grasping portion 51 formed on a free end of the lever opposite the mounting end of the lever at pivot pin 53. The grasping portion 51 may seat substantially flush with the underside of frame 12 nested in recess 12d within the trigger guard 12e when takedown lever 50 is in the upward blocking position as shown in FIG. 3 to prevent interfering with the shooter's trigger finger. Accordingly, this placement and nesting locates the grasping portion 51 in an unobtrusive position when not deployed and replaces some conventional arrangements having takedown pins or levers cantilevered from the sides of slide that adds to the number of exposed levers and profile of the pistol, and further creates the possibility of snagging the pistol on the user's clothing or other object.

[0060] To limit rearward movement of the slide 20 during normal operation of the pistol 10, slide takedown lever 50 includes blocking surface 52 formed on a front face of the takedown lever 50 as shown in FIGS. 13-14, which is interposed between grasping portion 51 on the free end of the lever and the mounting end of the lever at pivot pin 53. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion of takedown lever 50 defining blocking surface 52 may be physically enlarged in relation to the grasping portion 53 thereby providing a structurally robust element capable of sustaining repeated impacts when the action is cycled automatically upon firing the pistol. The added mass and structural strength of the blocking surface portion of takedown lever helps to better absorb and distribute the recoil forces. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the material selected for takedown lever 50 preferably may be an impact resistant and energy absorbing materials such as without limitation metals (e.g. steel, aluminum, titanium and alloys thereof) or reinforced polymeric materials such as reinforced nylon polymers commonly used for fabricating other parts of firearms requiring added strength and durability.

[0061] An exemplary method of operating takedown lever 50 will now be described. FIGS. 13 and 14 depict a forward portion of pistol 10 without frame 12 in place for clarity to show the interaction between slide 20 and takedown lever 50.

[0062] Referring initially to FIG. 13, the slide 20 is shown in the first rearward re-loading operating position being already moved rearwards from a forward ready-to-fire position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 either by manually retracting the slide or during cycling of the action (e.g., slide) after firing pistol 10. The barrel 14 and guide rod 19 are shown exposed and protruding forward from enlarged boss 26. The breech B to the rear of cartridge chamber 11 in the barrel would be in the open condition to allow for extraction of a spent cartridge casing from the chamber and ejection from the pistol. These foregoing operating positions and methodology are conventional and well known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] With continuing reference to FIG. 13, takedown lever 50 is shown in the upward blocking position. When either the trigger 16 is pulled and the action is cycled upon discharging the pistol, or if a user manually retracts the slide, the slide will move rearward by an axial distance until blocking surface 52 formed on a front face of the takedown lever 50 abuttingly engages a mating blocking surface 38 defined on a rear face of the enlarged protuberant boss 26 on the front end 24 of the slide. Blocking surfaces 38 and 52, which may comprise at least a portion of takedown lever 50 and enlarged boss 26 respectively, are substantially planar and vertical in one non-limiting embodiment as shown. The slide 20 and frame insert 40 are still interlocked so that the slide cannot be moved vertically and lifted off the frame 12. Accordingly, the takedown lever 50 therefore blocks the rearward path of travel of the slide 20 and prevents the slide 20 from moving rearward far enough from the first rearward re-loading position to the second rearward removal position that would permit complete removal of the slide from the pistol 10.

[0064] To remove the slide 20 from pistol 10, the takedown lever 50 is first manually moved and rotated by a user to the downward non-blocking position shown in FIG. 14. The takedown lever 50 is pivoted in an arcuate path about pivot pin 53 and the longitudinal axis LA and laterally to reach the non-blocking position since the pivot pin 53 is oriented axially parallel to the longitudinal axis. This concomitantly rotates the blocking surface 52 downwards and out of the way of protuberant boss 26 on slide 20. The takedown lever 50 therefore is no longer positioned to engage with or block the rearward path of travel of the slide protuberant boss 26.

[0065] With the takedown lever 50 out of the way, the slide may now be moved manually rearward by a greater axial distance beyond the takedown lever to the second rearward removal position in which protuberant boss 26 abuts the front of the fire control frame insert 40 as shown in FIG. 14. The takedown lever 50 is preferably configured and dimensioned so that the lower lobed portion of the front enlarged protuberant boss 26 is not obstructed and impeded by the lever when moved over top of takedown lever 50 to the second rearward removal position. To accomplish this in one embodiment, takedown lever 50 may have a concave top surface 59 that is configured to complement a downwardly convex bottom surface 26a of enlarged protuberant boss 26 on slide 20 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5) to allow the enlarged boss to pass at least partially over takedown lever to reach the second rearward slide removal position.

[0066] With the slide 20 now in the position shown in FIG. 14, the slide may be completely disengaged and removed from the pistol 10. The guide flanges 43 on frame insert 40 have left the axial slot 33 in slide 20 which would allow the slide to be lifted vertically upward and off of the frame insert 40. The slide 20 and frame insert 40 are no longer mechanically interlocked.

[0067] The slide 20 may be re-installed on pistol 10 by reversing the foregoing steps.

[0068] Advantages of the slide takedown lever mechanism disclosed herein include a convenient and easy to deploy lever which is not obtrusive and does not require excessive manipulation or removal of pin, etc. from the pistol which may be lost. Placement of the lever on the underside of the frame and within the trigger guard reduces the likelihood that the takedown lever will be inadvertently actuated or snag on a user's clothing or other object.

[0069] The present invention also provides a unique magazine disconnect member 100 which is engageable with and movably responsive to inserting the magazine 86 into or removing the magazine from the firearm. Notably, the magazine disconnect member operably interacts and cooperates with the takedown lever 50 in one aspect to prevent moving the takedown lever from the blocking position associated with normal firing operation of pistol 10 to the nonblocking position associated with field stripping the firearm and removing the slide. This ensures the slide remains movable but locked to the firearm when operating the pistol.

[0070] Initial reference is made first to FIGS. 26A-B which shows the magazine disconnect member 100 in isolation. The magazine disconnect member in one non-limiting embodiment comprises an elongated body which may be considered axially elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA referring to when the disconnect member is mounted to the firearm. Magazine disconnect member 100 includes a front end 101 engageable with the takedown lever 50 and a rear end 102 engageable with the ammunition magazine 86 when inserted into the magazine well 85 of frame 12 as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 23. A pair of opposing parallel lateral sides 103 extend axially between the front and rear ends.

[0071] In one non-limiting embodiment, magazine disconnect member 100 is configured for slideable mounting to the underside of the fire control frame insert 40 (see, e.g. FIGS. 8 and 11). For such an embodiment to provide a low vertical profile, magazine disconnect member 100 may comprise a flattened main body 112 formed of a substantially flat plate including a takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 on the front end, and an actuating protrusion 107 on the rear end configured to slideably engage the magazine 86 when inserted into the pistol frame 12. Disconnect member 100 includes a central trigger opening 105 through which the trigger protrudes downwards into the trigger guard 12e of the pistol frame. Magazine disconnect member 100 also comprises an upturned trigger locking protrusion 104 which is engageable with a mating locking surface 104a on the trigger when the magazine disconnect member is in a rearward locked position to prevent movement of the trigger and disable the firing mechanism of the firearm, as further described herein. Both trigger locking protrusion 104 and actuating protrusion 107 may extend upwards from and beyond the top surface 109 of magazine disconnect member 100.

[0072] In alternative embodiments, the trigger locking protrusion 104 may be omitted and the trigger locking surface 104a may directly engage the top surface 109 of magazine disconnect member 100 on the portion immediately forward of the central trigger opening 105.

[0073] The term substantially as used above to describe the flat configuration of the magazine disconnect member embodiment recognizes that a majority of the body is flat but includes certain operating features such as actuating protrusion 107 and trigger locking protrusion 104 which extend upwards from the top surface of the disconnect member and therefore do not completely lie in the same horizontal plane as the top surface 109. The plate has a width and length significantly larger than its vertical thickness as shown, and a length larger than its width.

[0074] When mounted to fire control frame insert 40, magazine disconnect member 100 is movable between a rearward locked position which engages and blocks movement of the trigger to disable the firearm firing mechanism (see, e.g. FIG. 18), and a forward unlocked position which allows movement of the trigger to fire the firearm and concurrently engages the takedown lever 50 to prevent moving the takedown lever from the upward blocking position associated with the ready-to-fire condition of firearm to the downward non-blocking position associated with field stripping the firearm (see, e.g. FIG. 23).

[0075] Inserting the magazine 86 into the firearm frame 12 engages and moves the magazine disconnect member 100 to the forward unlocked position, and removing the magazine from the frame disengages and moves the magazine disconnect member to the rearward locked position under biasing action of a magazine disconnect spring 110 shown in FIGS. 18 and 23. Spring 110 may be a helical compression spring in one embodiment acting directly on actuation protrusion 107 disposed at the rear end 102 of the disconnect member. This advantageously ensures that the actuation protrusion (which extends rearward from main body 112 of magazine disconnect member 100) is forced partially into the front of the magazine well 85 of frame 12 with positive action when no magazine is present in the firearm (see, e.g. FIGS. 11 and 18). Inserting the magazine 86 into the firearm engages the actuation protrusion 107 and compresses spring 110 when the magazine disconnect member 100 moves forward via the presence of the magazine fully inserted into the magazine well 85 of frame 12. More specifically, the upper portion of front wall 86a of the magazine tube 86b slideably engages the actuation protrusion 107 to actuate and slideably move the magazine disconnect member 100 (see, e.g. FIG. 23). When the magazine is removed, the spring expands to automatically move and force the magazine disconnect member 100 back to the rearward locked position which disables the trigger and firing mechanism when the magazine is not present in the frame 12 to prevent firing the pistol if a cartridge possibly remains in the chamber.

[0076] Magazine disconnect member 100 in one non-limiting embodiment may have a monolithic construction in which the actuation protrusion 107, trigger locking protrusion 104, and takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 are all integral unitary parts of the disconnect member body. The disconnect member may be formed of a suitable material for the application including metal or strong polymeric material. If formed of metal, the plate-shaped magazine disconnect member be stamped and the upright 104 and protrusions 107 may be bent to shape. In one embodiment, actuating protrusion 107 may have a recurvant shape as shown to provide an arcuately curved contact surface 107a to slideably engage the magazine 86 when inserted into the pistol grip 18 of frame 12.

[0077] Various cooperating operational positions of the magazine disconnect member 100 and takedown lever 50 of the assembly are shown in FIGS. 15-25.

[0078] FIGS. 15-22 are various views of portions of the pistol 10 without a magazine 86 present in the firearm and the magazine disconnect member 100 in the rearward locked position which engages and blocks movement of the trigger 16 in the absence of the magazine in the firearm.

[0079] FIGS. 15 and 16 show the takedown lever 50 rotated downwards to the non-blocking position providing clearance for the protuberant boss 26 on the front of slide 20 to pass over and past the lever towards the second rearward removal position for field stripping the pistol 10. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the non-blocking position of the takedown lever of FIG. 15 with more detail.

[0080] FIG. 17 shows the takedown lever 50 in the upwards blocking position and magazine disconnect member 100 locking and preventing the trigger 16 from moving in response to a trigger pull since no magazine is present in the magazine well 85. FIG. 18 shows the takedown lever 50 rotated downwards to the non-blocking position to abuttingly engage the protuberant boss 26 on slide 20 during normal cycling of the action, thereby limiting the rearward travel of the slide to the first rearward unloading position. Note trigger locking protrusion 104 is engaged with the locking surface 104a on the trigger 16 to prevent and block movement of the trigger thereby disabling the firing mechanism.

[0081] FIG. 19 shows the takedown lever 50 in the upward blocking position in which the lever can be freely rotated to the downward non-blocking position as shown in FIG. 20 since the front end of magazine disconnect member 100 (i.e. takedown lever engagement protrusion 106) is not positioned laterally alongside the lever since the disconnect member is displaced rearward in the absence of a magazine in the firearm. The trigger 16 in both FIGS. 19 and 20 is locked in position and not movable via engagement by the magazine disconnect member 100.

[0082] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view showing the takedown lever 50 in the upward blocking position and trigger locking protrusion 104 on magazine disconnect member 100 engaged with its mating locking surface 104a on the trigger 16 to prevent rotation thereof. The magazine 86 is shown in the process of being inserted into the magazine well 85 of the pistol (see directional insertion arrow) but has not yet reached the actuating protrusion 107 on the rear end of the magazine disconnect member 100 yet to displace and actuate the disconnect member. FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional perspective view showing the same.

[0083] FIGS. 23-25 show the magazine 86 now fully inserted upwards into the magazine well 85 of the pistol 10. In these figures the magazine disconnect member 100 has been moved by the magazine to the forward unlocking position in which the trigger 16 is free to move for discharging the firearm.

[0084] When the magazine is fully inserted into the pistol as shown in the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 23, the front wall 86a of the magazine slideably engages actuating protrusion 107 on the rear end of magazine disconnect member 100 which is forced forward in the axial direction (see directional motion arrows). The trigger locking protrusion 104 is displaced forward of and disengages mating locking surface 104a on the trigger 16. Specifically, locking protrusion 104 is therefore is no longer vertically aligned with locking surface 104a on the trigger as shown. The longitudinal offset between the protrusion and locking surface allows the trigger to be pulled and rotated via a trigger pull for discharging the firearm. Takedown lever 50 is shown in the upward blocking position associated with the ready-to-fire condition of the firearm. Takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 of magazine disconnect member 100 is positioned laterally alongside and engageable with laterally outward facing engagement surface 120 on the lever. This advantageously blocks and prevents the takedown lever from being rotated downwards out of the blocking position to the non-blocking position during normal operation for discharging the firearm either manually by the user or if undue vibration caused by the firing the firearm or dropping the firearm possible loosens the takedown lever detent which maintains the upward blocking position as previously described herein.

[0085] In one embodiment, the front end 101 of the magazine disconnect member 100 comprises a stepped shoulder 101a which forms a narrow portion of the front end of the disconnect member to define the takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 (see also FIG. 26A). The takedown lever engagement protrusion therefore has a narrower width than a main body 112 of the magazine disconnect member behind the engagement protrusion. The laterally outward facing engagement surface 120 of takedown lever 50 in this design is engageable with a lateral inward facing side surface 106a of engagement protrusion 106 of the magazine disconnect member. Engagement protrusion 106 on the magazine disconnect member 100 may be offset to one side on the front end 101 of the disconnect member.

[0086] The engagement surface 120 of takedown lever 50 in one non-limiting embodiment may be formed within a recessed pocket 122 defined on the takedown lever (see, e.g. FIGS. 20 and 25) to allow the takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 of the magazine disconnect member 100 to move past the rear side of takedown lever so that the side surface 106a on the takedown lever engagement protrusion can become laterally aligned with and engages by engagement surface on the takedown lever to prevent moving the lever out of the upwards blocking position while operating the firearm.

[0087] FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional perspective view showing the same position of the magazine disconnect member and takedown lever as in FIG. 23.

[0088] FIG. 25 shows a situation in which after field stripping the pistol, the takedown lever might inadvertently be left in the downward non-blocking position while a magazine 86 is attempted to be inserted into the magazine well 85 (magazine not shown for clarity). Advantageously, the magazine disconnect member 100 prevents the magazine from being fully inserted into the pistol to prevent using the firearm when the takedown lever is not rotated back upwards to the blocking position. The front takedown lever engagement protrusion 106 encounters and abuttingly engages rear facing abutment surface 121 on the lever as the magazine disconnect member slides forward as the magazine engages the actuating protrusion 107 on the rear end of the disconnect member. Failure to be able to fully insert and latch the magazine 86 into the firearm alerts the user that the takedown lever had been left rotated downward after the slide is reassembled to the pistol after field stripping. The user can then properly rotate the takedown lever back up to its blocking position associated with a ready-to-fire condition of the firearm, thereby allowing the magazine to now be fully inserted into the firearm. This is an additional notable aspect of the cooperating magazine disconnect member and takedown lever assembly 100.

[0089] Operation of and a related method for using the magazine disconnect member 100 in a manner which cooperates with the takedown lever 50 and trigger 16 will now be briefly described as an overview.

[0090] For normal operation of the firearm such as pistol 10, a loaded magazine 86 is first inserted into the frame 12 by the user in which the takedown lever 50 is located in the normal blocking position. The magazine disconnect member 100 is in the rearward locked position before magazine insertion which disables the firing mechanism in the manner previously described herein. Inserting the magazine fully into the magazine well 85 of the frame contacts and pushes the magazine disconnect member forward to the unlocked position to disengage the trigger 16 from the disconnect member. The firing mechanism is now enabled. Magazine disconnect member 100 prevents the takedown lever 50 from moving out of the blocking position so that rearward movement of the slide 20 after firing under recoil is arrested by the takedown lever. As long as the magazine remains in the firearm, the magazine holds the magazine disconnect member in the forward unlocked position against the rearward-acting biasing force of the magazine disconnect spring 110. It bears noting that if takedown lever is not initially in the blocking position when the user inserts the magazine into the firearm, engagement between the front end of magazine disconnect member 100 and takedown lever prevent the magazine from being fully inserted into the pistol frame as previously described herein.

[0091] When the magazine 86 is subsequently removed from the firearm for any reason, engagement between the magazine and magazine disconnect member 100 is broken. Magazine disconnect spring 100 automatically returns the magazine disconnect member to it rearward locked position engaged with the trigger 16 to disable the firing mechanism. If the user intends to field strip the firearm and remove the slide, the takedown lever 50 may now be rotated downwards to it non-blocking position since the front end of the magazine disconnect member is no longer positioned laterally adjacent to the lever. The slide may then be manually retracted fully rearward to the second removal position and disengaged from the frame insert 40 as previously described herein.

[0092] After maintenance and/or inspection is completed, the slide may be reinstalled in the firearm and moved forward until the enlarged protuberant boss 26 on slide 20 passes back over and forward of the takedown lever 50. The takedown lever may then be returned to its upward blocking position for normal operation of the firearm.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0093] 1. A firearm with slide takedown and magazine disconnect assembly comprising: [0094] a frame configured to detachably receive an ammunition magazine; [0095] a barrel defining a longitudinal axis of the firearm; [0096] a trigger for discharging the firearm; [0097] a reciprocating slide slidably engaged with the firearm, the slide moveable between a forward position and a rearward removal position; [0098] a takedown lever pivotably mounted to the firearm and engageable with the slide, the lever being pivotable in a lateral direction about the longitudinal axis between a blocking position in which the slide is not movable from the forward position to the rearward removal position, and a non-blocking position in which the slide is movable to the rearward removal position to disengage the frame; [0099] a magazine disconnect member engageable with and movably responsive to inserting the magazine into or removing the magazine from the firearm; [0100] wherein the magazine disconnect member is movable between a rearward locked position which blocks movement of the trigger to prevent firing the firearm, and a forward unlocked position which allows movement of the trigger and concurrently engages the takedown lever to prevent moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

[0101] 2. The firearm according to Embodiment 1, wherein inserting the magazine into the frame engages and moves the magazine disconnect member from the rearward locked position to the forward unlocked position, and removing the magazine from the frame disengages and moves the magazine disconnect member from the forward unlocked position to the rearward locked position under biasing action of a magazine disconnect spring.

[0102] 3. The firearm according to Embodiment 2, wherein the magazine disconnect member is slideably and axially movable along the longitudinal axis between the rearward locked position and forward unlocked position.

[0103] 4. The firearm according to Embodiment 3, wherein magazine disconnect member includes a front end engageable with the takedown lever and a rear end engageable with the magazine when inserted into the frame

[0104] 5. The firearm according to Embodiment 4, wherein the magazine disconnect member further comprises an upturned trigger locking protrusion which engages a locking surface on the trigger when the magazine disconnect member is in the rearward locked position to prevent movement of the trigger.

[0105] 6. The firearm according to Embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the magazine disconnect member comprises a substantially flat plate including a takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end, and an actuating protrusion on the rear end configured to slideably engage the magazine when inserted into the frame.

[0106] 7. The firearm according to Embodiment 6, wherein the plate comprises a central trigger opening through which the trigger protrudes downwards into a trigger guard of the frame.

[0107] 8. The firearm according to any one of Embodiments 4-7, wherein the blocking position of the takedown lever is an upward position and the non-blocking position is a downward position.

[0108] 9. The firearm according to Embodiment 8, wherein the takedown lever is mounted about a pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm.

[0109] 10. The firearm according to any one of Embodiments 5-9, wherein the takedown lever comprises a laterally facing engagement surface which is engageable with the takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end of the magazine disconnect member which prevents moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the magazine disconnect member is in the forward unlocked position.

[0110] 11. The firearm according to Embodiment 10, wherein the front end of the magazine disconnect member comprises a stepped shoulder which defines the takedown lever engagement protrusion.

[0111] 12. The firearm according to Embodiment 11, wherein the engagement surface of takedown lever engages a lateral inward facing side surface on the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member.

[0112] 13. The firearm according to Embodiment 12, wherein the engagement surface is formed within a recessed pocket on the takedown lever to allow the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member to move past the rear side of takedown lever so that the side surface of the takedown lever engagement protrusion can engage the engagement surface on the takedown lever.

[0113] 14. The firearm according to any one of Embodiments 4-13, wherein the takedown lever further comprises a rear facing abutment surface which engages and prevents the magazine disconnect member from moving from the rearward locked position to the forward unlocked position when the takedown lever is in the non-blocking position and the magazine is attempted to be inserted into the frame.

[0114] 15. The firearm according to any one of Embodiments 1-14, further comprising a magazine disconnect spring which biases the magazine disconnect member towards the rearward locked position.

[0115] 16. The firearm according to Embodiment 4, wherein the takedown lever comprises a laterally facing engagement surface which is engageable with a takedown lever engagement protrusion on the front end of the magazine disconnect member which prevents moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position when the magazine disconnect member is in the forward unlocked position.

[0116] 17. The firearm according to Embodiment 16, wherein the engagement surface of takedown lever engages a lateral inward facing side surface on the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member.

[0117] 18. The firearm according to Embodiment 17, wherein the takedown lever engagement protrusion has a narrower width than a main body of the magazine disconnect member behind the engagement protrusion.

[0118] 19. The firearm according to Embodiment 17, wherein the engagement surface of the takedown lever is formed within a recessed pocket on the takedown lever to allow the takedown lever engagement protrusion of the magazine disconnect member to move past a rear side of takedown lever so that the side surface of the takedown lever engagement protrusion can engage the engagement surface on the takedown lever.

[0119] 20. The firearm according to any one of Embodiments 1-19, wherein the firearm is a semiautomatic pistol.

[0120] 21. The firearm according to Embodiments 6 or 7, wherein the rear actuating protrusion has a recurvant shape defining an arcuately curved contact surface which slideably engages the magazine when inserted into the frame.

[0121] 22. The firearm of Embodiment 1, wherein the takedown lever includes a mounting end pivotably coupled to the firearm, an opposite free end defining a grasping portion, and a blocking surface interposed between the mounting and free ends.

[0122] 23. A method for operating a magazine disconnect and takedown lever assembly for a firearm including: [0123] providing or having a firearm including a longitudinal axis, a frame defining a magazine well configured to receive an ammunition magazine, a movable trigger, a reciprocating slide movable between forward and rearward positions, and a takedown lever pivotably movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position; [0124] inserting a magazine into the magazine well; [0125] engaging the magazine with a magazine disconnect member; [0126] the magazine moving the magazine disconnect member from a rearward locked position engaged with the trigger which prevents movement thereof to a forward unlocked position disengaged from the trigger which allows movement of the trigger for firing the firearm; [0127] engaging the magazine disconnect member with the takedown lever when the magazine disconnect member moves to the forward unlocked position; [0128] wherein the magazine disconnect member prevents moving the takedown lever from the blocking position to the non-blocking position while the magazine disconnect member is in the forward unlocked position.

[0129] 24. The method according to Embodiment 23, wherein the magazine disconnect member is slideably movable along the longitudinal axis between the rearward locked position and the forward unlocked position.

[0130] 25. The method according to Embodiment 24, wherein the step of engaging the magazine with a magazine disconnect member comprises the magazine contacting a rear end of the magazine disconnect member which forces the magazine disconnect member to move forward to the unlocked position.

[0131] 26. The method according to Embodiment 25, wherein a front end of the magazine disconnect member engages the takedown lever.

[0132] 27. The method according to Embodiment 26, wherein the takedown lever comprises a lateral facing engagement surface which is engaged by the front end of the magazine disconnect member.

[0133] 28. The method according to any one of Embodiments 23-27, wherein the takedown lever is laterally movable about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0134] 29. The method according to any one of Embodiments 23-28, wherein the takedown lever is movable from the blocking position to the non-blocking position only when the magazine disconnect member is in the rearward locked position.

[0135] 30. The method according to any one of Embodiments 23-29, wherein slide includes an enlarged protuberant boss which engages the takedown lever when in its blocking position to limit rearward travel of the slide to a first rearward position.

[0136] 31. The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein when the takedown lever is in its non-blocking position, the protuberant boss can move past the takedown lever so that the slide is movable to a second rearward removal position beyond the first rearward position for removal from the firearm.

[0137] 32. The method according to any one of Embodiments 26-31, wherein the magazine is prevented from being fully inserted into the magazine well during the step of inserting a magazine into the magazine well when the takedown lever is in the non-blocking position.

[0138] 33. The method according to Embodiment 32, wherein the front end of the magazine disconnect member abuttingly engages a rear facing abutment surface of the takedown lever which prevents fully inserting the magazine into the magazine well when the takedown lever is in the non-blocking position.

[0139] 34. The method according to any one of Embodiments 23-33, wherein the takedown lever is movably disposed within a trigger guard of the frame.

[0140] While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents.